Montario Hardesty practiced in full pads Monday morning for the first time since training camp opened on July 30.

The Browns have been cautious with the second-year running back because he is recovering from surgery last summer to repair a torn left anterior cruciate ligament. He missed all of 2010.

"I've been doing a lot of work in the offseason to get ready for the season to come back stronger and ready to go," Hardesty said after practice. "I feel good. I'm back out there. I'm antsy."

Coach Pat Shurmur hasn't decided whether Hardesty will play Friday against the Lions in the second preseason game. Hardesty's only game action with the Browns was in the final preseason game last year. He suffered the injury on his seventh carry.

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"It was good to see him out there," Shurmur said. "He caught a couple passes out of the backfield. He made a nice catch. He was running away and the ball was a little behind him. He pinned the ball on his fanny and brought it around."

The Browns will have a deep backfield if Hardesty can stay healthy. Peyton Hillis is the starter. Brandon Jackson backed up Hillis in the preseason opener Saturday and carried the ball eight times for 28 yards.

"We all bring different things to the table," Hardesty said. "We have completely different running styles. Being different runners is going to keep the defense off-balance and open up the run and pass to keep our offense fresh."

The return of Hardesty could spell the end for Armond Smith, a running back who led the Browns with 10 carries for 41 yards Saturday night against the Packers.

Tooth floors Ward

Safety T.J. Ward missed practice Monday morning because of a toothache. It was no ordinary toothache -- Shurmur said Ward's face was swollen when Ward reported to the coach early in the morning. Ward was in the dentist's chair while his teammates were practicing.

Safety situation

The Browns made a roster move Monday morning to shore up safety when they were awarded Brett Johnson on waivers from the Seahawks. The move was necessary because Eric Hagg, a safety drafted in the seventh round, underwent knee surgery Monday.

Johnson was signed as an undrafted rookie by the Bills last year. He also spent time with the Eagles and Rams but did not play in a regular season game last year.

Guard Billy Yates walked upstairs Monday morning and told Shurmur he is contemplating retiring. Shurmur gave Yates time to think about the decision. Yates drove away from the facility as his teammates were beginning practice. Shurmur does not expect Yates to change his mind.

"Unless something changes, I think that's the way it's going to go," said Shurmur. "Billy is a pro, a nine-year guy. It surprised me a little bit. Billy has been doing a good job for us."